A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a landmark tree in Oswaldtwistle’s Ryddings Park from being felled.

The 40-foot half-grown sequoia, or giant redwood, is under threat because of the £2 million lottery scheme to restore the open space to its ‘former glory’.

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A condition of the grant for the Oswaldtwistle Park is opening up the vista from Rhyddings Street over the bowling green which the tree, which could grow to 80 ft tall and several others, obscure.

The sequoia, planted in 1973 by Oswaldtwistle Civic Society, would be replaced with a ‘Market Cross’ memorial and seating, with several nearby trees felled as well.

But local residents, park fans and tree lovers are up in arms at the plan.

Mark Cooper on the ‘Oswaldtwistlefromabove’ Facebook page has launched a campaign to save it.

And posters have gone up around the park with a picture of the North American sequoia warning: “This tree is for the chop".

The poster warns: “As part of Rhyddings Park regeneration scheme this tree will be cut down to make way for a memorial and seating.”

The £2 million investment of National Lottery cash includes restoring its old Coach House as a community meeting place, and social enterprise cafe with training kitchen.

The gardens will also be restored with Victorian style greenhouses and a performance space.

Work on the scheme is due to start next month (APRIL).

Mr Cooper promises on Facebook: “We will save this tree.

“If it was a building it would be preserved.”

Oswaldtwistle councillor Peter Britcliffe said: “I understand the campaigners’ concern.

“It is landmark tree but the question is whether is is the right thing for the redeveloped park.

“Opening up the vista into the park is a condition of the lottery grant and do we want to miss out on a £2 million redevelopment because of a tree that is not native?

“At full height it could pose a danger to nearby houses.”

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: “The council will consult on the request to cut this tree and others carefully.

“This is major scheme to restore Rhyddings Park to it former glory.

“This tree may look good now but fully grown things might be different and its future may have to be considered again by the council.”